Honouring my son
Dougal will be 18 in a few days time, but what elicited this post was the recent prize giving at school - his last, and suddenly days later I find myself beginning yet another passage in life. This one including a young working man striving to succeed at uni. next year.
A young man capable of wearing many hats...
Showing traits of curiosity at an early age [with a willingness to skate on thin ice occasionally]...
Able to reflect on life...
An achiever at any pet parade and elsewhere...
Resolute traveller...
...with an ability to merge with any situation...
A man of mystery indeed...
Consumate explorer [about to head into an historic gold mining shaft]...
Fisherman [with his first big fish]...
Showing patience while waiting high on the Pisa Range for his dad...
On stage he's adored...
Always agreeable no matter where I've taken him...
Aware of the potential in all situations...
Knows when to tread lightly on the earth...
The ideal companion on one of our most remote mountains...
Lover of good music...
Sportsman...
At the helm of 28 tons of expedition yacht Elwing...
Snappy dresser [this started to show at about age 3 or earlier!]...
Last day at school last Friday...
Don't ask me where the years went so quickly, but I'd recommend being a parent any day. In my case one who has had to learn more than once I was in the presence of a soul wiser and older than my own.
We are after all, only care-givers and caretakers for a short while!
A young man capable of wearing many hats...
Showing traits of curiosity at an early age [with a willingness to skate on thin ice occasionally]...
Able to reflect on life...
An achiever at any pet parade and elsewhere...
Resolute traveller...
...with an ability to merge with any situation...
A man of mystery indeed...
Consumate explorer [about to head into an historic gold mining shaft]...
Fisherman [with his first big fish]...
Showing patience while waiting high on the Pisa Range for his dad...
On stage he's adored...
Always agreeable no matter where I've taken him...
Aware of the potential in all situations...
Knows when to tread lightly on the earth...
The ideal companion on one of our most remote mountains...
Lover of good music...
Sportsman...
At the helm of 28 tons of expedition yacht Elwing...
Snappy dresser [this started to show at about age 3 or earlier!]...
Last day at school last Friday...
Don't ask me where the years went so quickly, but I'd recommend being a parent any day. In my case one who has had to learn more than once I was in the presence of a soul wiser and older than my own.
We are after all, only care-givers and caretakers for a short while!
posted by Donald at
2:22 PM
9 Comments:
Yes Donald, we are only care givers and care takers for a short time.
I enjoyed scrolling thorught the photos and seeing a baby develop into a capable young man.
Bob Cunningham had an influence on me too, and I recall he and Limbo Thompson doing a winter GT of Cook in the winter of 1972 and having a few beers with them afterwards.
Gosh Bob, I'd forgotten about that traverse.
And Limbo... oh me, oh my... I did a few trips with him, and learnt an extra-ordinary amount about climbing and life! In his own very unique way I found him very inspirational and caring.
So many memories. How fortunate we've been to wander as we have, and with wonderful people!
We either behaved very well in a former life or were treated badly, thus deserving what we' cherish in this one!
Not forgotten the Chris J. site. Doing web site development almost full time of late, and have a big enough job list, that there is a delay doing anything out-of-the-ordinary.
Cheers
Donald
I'm stunned. Your post says it all. My youngest is 20 years old in eleven days and when I saw him today for the first time in a couple of weeks he was remarkable. Growing into his manliness by the minute.
Aren't they astounding.
Hi Kerry
Yes they are! They're not a bad way to measure ourselves against.
D's birthday is on the 16th. Presume it's the same day as your son's?
To become a parent is to cross a great divide - a journey to marvel at, and to reflect on as there are so many unknowns inc. our own abilities.
Cheers
Donald
A lovely tribute to your son. I can confirm the pleasure to be had from children when they become adults. My children have blossomed and amazed me with what they achieved after leaving the nest. I'm sure Dougal will continue to succeed at whatever he does, and reflect the loving upbringing he has had.
Dear Shirley
Thanks for the comments.
You've trod this path before me, and it's good to know it can go so well for so many people.
And it is an amazing journey, and ongoing. This the nature of the beast as they say.
Hope things are going evolving OK re your proposed shift to down south?
Cheers
Donald
Kia ora Donald,
What a fantastic tribute and honour to both Dougal and your self.
I look at my own not far from 18 year old, and time seems to just go by in the blink of an eye. My eldest has been very unsettled and school not his path, at least yet, but lately I see him calming down a bit, getting a little focus. We are heading into the mountains for 5 days, just he and I, in a week or so - at his suggestion. So maybe those mountain experiences are finding a way to the surface. It is the best Christmas presernt he could give me.
In any case congratualtion to you and Dougal, and a very happy 18th to a young man with the whole world ahead. Kia kaha!
Peaceful Yuletide to you and yours my friend.
Rangimarie,
Robb
Dear Robb
Actually I got the idea after reading your latest post [which I intend reading some more/commenting on] in which Charlie starred!
So thanks for that - it was quite inspiring and special. Great investment for the future too.
Also noted that Taylor requested the trip. Good one eh!
Hopefully you'll capitalise on the good weather of late.
Yours
Donald
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Good stuff Donald - enjoyed that. Wow.Off to the challenges of Uni - Otago I hope?
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